New Organizing, Negotiating Strategies Focus on 4th Day of UFCW Convention (8/21/08)

UFCW Collective Bargaining Director and Executive Vice President Bill McDonough was a guest speaker this morning at the daily RWDSU caucus. McDonough discussed the ways that the changing economic landscape has affected organizing and the collective bargaining process, and the lessons the UFCW has learned when it comes to negotiating with huge multi-national companies.

He spoke about how new methods of consumer education with projects like Wake Up Wal-Mart have begun to turn the tide against corporate bullies.
"We've started to show that we can take on companies like Wal-Mart and have an impact," McDonough said.

McDonough also spoke about the necessity of political change in the U.S.
"If we can elect Obama president and pass the Employee Free Choice Act, we will be closer than ever to bringing a voice to millions of workers who need respect in their workplaces."

Director of the UFCW Retail Stores Division Tom Plumb spoke about the RWDSU Local 1102 victory at H&M stores in New York City, and pointed to it as evidence that new organizing strategies are paying off. Plumb pointed out that there are 13 million unorganized retail workers in the U.S., and that campaigns like H&M are providing "a strong foundation for bringing a voice to these working men and women."

Also at the morning caucus, Local 825 President Richard Ross presented a check to Local 110 President Al Hartl, Jr., for the RWDSU Iowa Flood Relief Fund, which was established to help Local 110 members affected by the recent floods in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The flooding temporarily closed the Quaker Oats plant where Local 110 members work, and left 44 Local 110 members temporarily homeless.

"This is what the union is all about," said RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, pointing out that "RWDSU members are always willing to step up and pitch in for their brothers in sisters, whether at the workplace or in trying times like these."

Later in the day at the UFCW Convention, RWDSU members continued their involvement in the proceedings.

Local 338 Secretary-Treasurer John DeMartino, serving on the Collective Bargaining Committee, reported on a resolution calling for reform in labor law.

John DeMartino

Local 108 President Charles N. Hall, Jr., continued his work with the Constitution Committee, issuing a report on proposed resolutions. The convention passed a new UFCW constitution, which will be in effect until the next convention in 5 years.

Tomorrow marks the fifth and final day of the UFCW Convention.

Charles N. Hall, Jr.